“Nothing is inherently wrong with that,” Max replies. “I find it sus though.”
“Why?”
“Y’all ready to head out?” Theo asks after grabbing a soda from the fridge.
“Sure,” Max says, leading the way into the hallway for our early-morning trek to English. “And to answer your question, Oliver, I guess I just find it weird that Jude asked you to join them instead of their girlfriend.”
“Oh, that’s easily explained. Nikki was working.”
“Hm.”
“What? She was! Ask Jude!”
“No, I believe you,” Max replies. “To be clear, I don’t find your behavior sus. Only theirs.”
“Oh.” I frown again, unsure how to respond. I know I shouldn’t get involved in Jude and Max’s business, so I’ll just do what I do best. “But more importantly, do you think I’m pulling off the studs?”
“Yeah, you look cool,” Theo answers with a smile.
“Oh, honey, of course,” Max says with a laugh. “It’s hot as hell.”
My cheeks darken, and I grin. “Well, good. That’s all I needed to hear.”
Sunday, October 19, 2025
Oliver
heyo
are you coming to movie night tonight?
Max said we’re watching Superman
Jude
yes, I’ll be there!
sorry, got caught up at Nikki’s place, but I’m about to leave
Something churns in my stomach as I read the last text. “Caught up at Nikki’s place.” I assume that means they were having sex, which is great for Jude, but it serves as a reminder that Nikki won’t be joining us for yet another movie night.
And if I’m honest, I can’t say I’m disappointed. Nikki still hasn’t warmed up to me, and I certainly won’t miss her presence. I am a little annoyed, though, because I was hoping for another chance to win her over. I worry that if I don’t sway her opinion soon, it might be too late.
Either way, I’m relieved Jude is still coming. I hadn’t heard much from them this weekend, and I have a surprise for them that I hope they’ll enjoy.
Oliver
dope! See you soon! :D
“Whoa, Oliver, I hardly recognized you,” Theo gawks at me from the hallway where he just appeared. “What’s up with your hair?”
I dramatically whip my head side to side, swishing my loose blonde waves in every direction. “You like it? I grew it myself.”
Theo snorts. “You wear your hair up so often that I don’t even think about how long your hair is.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” I say, running my fingers through it to reshape it. “It’s about time, right?”
“Sure, why not?”
